Many political leaders in Tamil Nadu today welcomed the Supreme Court verdict allowing opening the gates of the Sabarimala temple, the abode of Lord Ayappa, to all women.

In a tweet, DMK president M K Stalin said the Apex Court verdict, allowing women of all ages into the temple has proved that both men and women were equal.

It is an historic verdict, he said and added that the verdict was a milestone in the journey of principles of social justice, sexual equality and women’s rights.

Senior BJP leader Subramaniyan Swamy welcomed the judgement ensuring gender equality in worship. “I am happy that SC has decided that gender equality in worship is to be followed in Sabarimalai,” he said.

Makkal Needhi Maiyam Founder and actor Kamal Haasan said, the Apex Court order ensuring gender equality, was a good decision.

The Supreme Court today paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala.

The five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict, said that banning the entry of women into the shrine is gender discrimination and the practice violates rights of Hindu women.